www.msa.govt.nz This rule is in force from 21
March 2003
This is a brief summary of the key points
Maritime Rule Part 91: Navigation Safety is a rule made under the Maritime
Transport Act 1994.
The Act places responsibility on the skipper or person in charge of every
vessel for:
- The safety of the vessel
- The safety of all persons on board
- Complying with all maritime rules and other regulations and laws.
The Navigation Safety Rule sets out a legally binding "code of conduct" for
all vessel operators’ behaviour. All vessels are also subject to the Collision
Prevention Rules, which must be read in conjunction with this rule.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)
It is compulsory for PDFs (often called lifejackets) to be carried on all
recreational craft. They must be worn at all times of heightened risk. This
may include, for example: rough seas, non-swimmers, alcohol consumption,
emergencies and distress.
The skipper must ensure that a correctly sized serviceable PDF is
available for every person on board.
In some sports and ceremonial events the PDF may be carried in another
boat which stays in the immediate vicinity.
PDFs must meet the NZ Standard or another similar national standard
acceptable to the MSA. Sports teams from other countries may use their own
approved PDFs while in New Zealand.
Age for operating Power Driven Vessels
- The person operating a power vessel capable of more than 10 knots
must be at least 15 years of age. If a person aged 15 or over is supervising
and remains within the reach of the controls, a younger person may operate the
vessel.
Speed
Without reasonable excuse, no vessel may exceed 5 knots through
the water:
- Within 50 metres of another vessel or person in the water
- Within 200 metres of the shore, any structure, or any vessel displaying a
dive flag
Wake
Recreational craft must avoid making a wake, which can cause unnecessary
danger or risk of damage to other vessels, structures or people.
Water Skiing, Towing and Similar Activities
Any boat towing a water skier, boat, wake board or similar device at over
5 knots must have a person aged at least 10 years to keep a look out, as well
as the skipper. Those being towed must wear a PDF.
Water skiing and similar activities are not permitted from sunset to
sunrise.
Access Lanes and Reserved Areas
If an area is being used for its designated purpose, then other persons
and craft must leave the area.
If it is not being used for that designated purpose, then al normal
navigation rules apply.
Anchoring
All vessels must anchor well clear o f wharves and jetties and their
approaches.
Skippers must ensure they anchor so that they do not cause a hazard by
swinging into other anchored craft, or by dragging.
The 500 Ton Rule
In areas near the approaches to harbours and ports, charts will show where
all vessels must keep well clear of ships over 500 tons, even if the ship is
overtaking.
Tankers and Defence Premises
Whenever possible, vessels are required to stay at least 200 metres away
from tankers, ships displaying code flag B (dangerous goods) and defence
premises.
Diving
Any vessel where diving activities are taking place must display code flay
A so it can be clearly seen from 200 metres.
Safe Boating Advisers (SBA)
The MSA may appoint SBAs to promote safety awareness in small
craft.
Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws
Regional Council Bylaws are in place in many places around our coast and
also inland. Bylaws must not conflict with the Maritime Rule, so there is one
consistent set of Navigation Safety Rules throughout all parts of NZ.
Where bylaws are in place, the Navigation Safety Rule does not
apply.
Councils may appoint Honorary Enforcement Officers to help police their
areas.